I am a big fan of mixing materials, to too great an extent in the opinion of others here when I've posted photos. We have a paver patio (two types of paver) bordered with a natural rock wall, and we have a flagstone walk bordering other materials. There are some ground rules for mixing materials. Although I can't always articulate them, I think they are the same as for mixing patterns, colours, and textures indoors. I think it has to do with a balance of harmony and contrast. Certainly the colours have to harmonize on some level, while the materials need to contrast perhaps in terms of piece size or pattern or texture. For example, brick and flagstone could work. The brick is a small uniformly repeating pattern, so I would use larger pieces of flagstone in a complementary colour with it. Recently someone posted here with a brick house fronted by a paver pathway in a swirly pattern. To my eye those two did not work together as the patterns, both using small units, competed with each other. If you do stamped concrete together with brick, I would not use a brick-like pattern but rather something uniform or a large motif. Flagstone can follow curves. Here is a picture of a work-in-progress (most of the planting wasn't done, nor was the clean-up, etc) flagstone walk we did that used the shape of the pieces to make curves. Curving can be done by cutting and breaking the pieces to your specifications as well. Around the fountain, the flagstones actually extend under it though this is risky; it might lever the flagstones up and cause breakage, not really recommended. Incidentally, this photo also shows an example of a failed hardscape combination - actually at both ends of the flagstone (although others might argue there are more mismatches than that). The walkway that intersects with the flagstone one is made of granite bricks. The bricks might be OK with the flagstone, but the walk itself is too rigidly rectangular to work with the flowing shape of the flagstone walk. We'll probably replace that with flagstone someday (after the other 40,000 things on the to-do list are done). At the other end, the pebbled concrete slabs don't harmonize too well, but we wanted to use them as they have sentimental value and having placed them already when we put the flagstone in... well, they're heavy, and they ain't goin' nowhere. So, I'd say materials can definitely be mixed, but with some thoughtfulness. KarinL

That is really not a very big area. Get the climbing hydrangea planted and don't rush to cram a bunch of stuff into the rest of the space. The hydrangea will establish itself soon enough -- don't complicate and clutter the matter or waste money on adding clematis (which also take a few years to really get going) to the picture in the meantime. The hydrangea is a big, imposing dramatic plant -- or at least it will be in the next couple of growing seasons -- so don't over-cram those relatively small planting areas in the meantime. Rather than think about flower colors in those two spots (IMO you have room for 2 more plants there and that's it), think about varying foliage texture and color rather than just thinking about white blooming plants. Maybe an ornamental grass? Whatever you select (I'm sure there are many options), keep that texture contrast in mind. Also keep whatever you plant the same on either side of the chimney. Skip the spiller. There isn't enough room and it will clutter up the works. I think you will have best results if you force yourself to be patient (certainly that's better for the plant development) and, as you've already indicated, disciplined about plant choice.

I have no advice to offer, only encouragement. What a great project! Well, I do have one piece of advice - take care with your back and hands. I am making a flagstone walk, and have learned how carpal tunnel can effect moving that flagstone around, although I am well past the age of toddlers. : ) Keep us posted with photos as you progress. I hope you get great advice from those 'in the know'. Jane

I would start with the patio. You may find that you won't want a deck at all. Plus, a deck would block natural light on the first floor. I think that your patio has a lot of potential.